League Two Playoffs 2026: Fixtures, Teams, and Promotion Race
League Two playoffs 2026 are set to deliver thrilling football drama as the promotion race to League One approaches its climax. With the season entering its decisive stage, four teams will compete for the final promotion spot in a series of high-stakes matches, all culminating in a Wembley Stadium showdown.
League Two Playoffs 2026: Format and Key Dates
The League Two playoffs 2026 involve the teams finishing fourth to seventh in the final standings of the 2025/26 season. This knockout competition is structured as two-legged semi-finals, followed by a winner-takes-all final:
- Semi-final first legs: Sunday, May 10, 2026 (3pm and 6pm)
- Semi-final second legs: Friday, May 15, 2026 (7:15pm and 8pm)
- Final: Sunday, May 25, 2026 at Wembley Stadium
The victors in the semi-finals will battle it out in the final with promotion to League One at stake, joining the top three teams who earned automatic advancement.
Which Teams Are in the Running?
With the regular season nearing its end, the playoff race remains fiercely contested. While the final list of participants will be confirmed after the last round of matches, the current League Two standings set the stage for a tense finish:
| Position | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bromley | 44 | 23 | 15 | 6 | +25 | 84 |
| 2 | MK Dons | 43 | 22 | 13 | 8 | +36 | 79 |
| 3 | Cambridge United | 43 | 21 | 15 | 7 | +31 | 78 |
| 4 | Notts County | 43 | 23 | 7 | 13 | +22 | 76 |
| 5 | Swindon Town | 43 | 22 | 8 | 13 | +16 | 74 |
| 6 | Salford City | 43 | 23 | 5 | 15 | +7 | 74 |
| 7 | Chesterfield | 43 | 19 | 15 | 9 | +12 | 72 |
Standings as of April 18, 2026
How the League Two Playoffs 2026 Will Unfold
The two-legged semi-finals pit the 7th place team against the 4th, and the 6th against the 5th, with the higher-ranked side hosting the second leg. The winners from each tie progress to the final hosted at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for May 25. The match is set for the late May Bank Holiday weekend, a tradition in the English Football League calendar.
Where to Watch the League Two Playoffs 2026
For fans eager to follow every moment of the League Two playoffs 2026, there are multiple viewing options:
- UK: Sky Sports Football/Main Event and Sky GO app
- U.S.: CBS and Paramount+ will provide live coverage
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Recent League Two Playoff Winners
The 2025 League Two playoffs saw AFC Wimbledon edge Walsall 1–0 in a tightly contested final at Wembley. That victory secured their place in League One, showcasing the high stakes and emotions tied to playoff football.
2026 League Two Playoff Fixtures and Schedule
The full lineup of fixtures for the 2026 League Two playoffs is as follows:
- Playoff semi-final first legs: Sunday, May 10 (3pm – 7th vs 4th, 6pm – 6th vs 5th)
- Playoff semi-final second legs: Friday, May 15 (7:15pm – 4th vs 7th, 8pm – 5th vs 6th)
- Playoff final: Sunday, May 25, 2026 at Wembley
Broadcast details include Sky Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the U.S., ensuring fans around the world can enjoy every minute of action.
Opinion: What to Expect from the League Two Playoffs 2026
The League Two playoffs 2026 promise intense matches and dramatic moments as teams push for the coveted promotion spot. With such tight competition in the standings, fans can expect fiercely contested ties, tactical battles, and plenty of excitement at Wembley. Whoever prevails will have truly earned their place in League One—a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the English football pyramid.
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